Women's Health (Pelvic Floor) Physiotherapy at The Manor Hospital, Oxford

It is a specialist area of physiotherapy, which involves the assessment and treatment of a range of conditions relating to:

• bladder problems
• bowel problems
• pelvic floor dysfunction
• pelvic organ prolapses
• pelvic pain 
• pregnancy
• problems related to childbirth 
• post-natal body check
• aiding recovery following surgery

It is even suitable if you don’t have any particular problems but would like to check how well your pelvic floor muscles work and fine-tune your technique. Our specialists will assist and advise you on the best course of action for your symptoms following a thorough assessment

Who is our women’s health physiotherapist at Nuffield Health The Manor Hospital, Oxford?

We have a women's health physiotherapist who has completed additional specialist training to assess and treat women’s health-related problems.

Sara Carlton - Senior Physiotherapist

Since qualifying as a physiotherapist at the University of the West of England, Bristol in 2006, Sara has worked within the National Health Service in musculoskeletal outpatients, mental health, orthopaedics, rheumatology and chronic pain. This was alongside private practice and sports injury and pitch work with rugby.

In 2012, Sara moved to Hong Kong for work in private practice which involved acute and chronic spinal injuries, post-operative knee and shoulder rehabilitation, Sacroiliac Joint dysfunction as well as Antenatal and Postnatal care. This led to training in Women's Health in Australia.

Sara has been working in Nuffield Health since 2019 in musculoskeletal outpatients seeing a range of orthopaedic and gynaecological patients and on the ward.

Sara has a special interest in pelvic, obstetrics and gynaecological physiotherapy and continues to direct her professional development within this field. Her work includes pelvic floor rehabilitation for bladder and bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pregnancy-related back and pelvic girdle pain, post-natal pelvic floor and abdominal rehab, and post-operative gynaecological rehabilitation.

Sara was able to use her skills when volunteering abroad in Nepal in 2016 working within a physiotherapy team in Chitwan.

Sara's Qualifications and Memberships:

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• CSP Registered
• HCPC Registered
• Women’s Health - WHTA Australia
• The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute Level 1: Matwork
• The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute Level 2: Class Instructor
• The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute: Pilates in Menopause
• The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute Pilates for Pelvic Floor
• The Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute: Ante and Post Natal

What happens during a women’s health physiotherapy appointment?

A detailed history will be taken of the problems you are experiencing. Some of the questions may be personal to gain a full insight into the nature of your problems. You will also be allowed to ask any questions you might have.

You may be offered an internal pelvic floor examination. This is not compulsory but forms a valuable part of the assessment and enables your physiotherapist to give you individualised treatment and ensure you can activate your pelvic floor muscles correctly. Your physiotherapist will discuss the examination in detail with you during your appointment.

What does women’s health physiotherapy treatment involve?

Women’s health (pelvic floor) physiotherapy treatments are based on exercise and advice, which is tailored to you following a detailed assessment. To ensure the best outcome, you must take an active part in your rehabilitation and follow the advice of your physiotherapist.

How many appointments do I need?

This varies for each individual but most people need to attend a course of sessions over around four months.

Is there anything I need to bring to my initial women’s health physiotherapy appointment?

An up-to-date list of any medications you take is useful, plus details of any past or ongoing health conditions, investigations or treatments, especially if they are related to your current symptoms.

You may also wish to note down any questions you have about the problem to ask your physiotherapist as well as think about the main problems you experience and how much they affect your day-to-day life.

Do I need to do anything at home for my women’s health physiotherapy appointments?

You may be asked to complete a frequency volume chart for your bladder at home before attending your initial appointment.

Do you inform my GP about my women’s health physiotherapy?

Your GP is not routinely informed about details of your treatment but is informed if there are any concerns about your condition or if you require further investigations or referral to another health professional.

How much is women’s health physiotherapy?

Initial assessment: £85 non-Nuffield gym member / £68 member (60 minutes)
Follow-up appointment: £60 non-Nuffield gym member / £48 member (30 minutes)

We are also approved by most major private medical insurers.

Opening times:

Thursday, Outpatients: 08:30 - 16:00
Friday, Inpatients: 08:30 - 16:00

How to book a women’s health physiotherapy appointment:

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our physiotherapy reception on 0345 045 4845 to book a self-pay appointment. Please ask for a Pelvic Health appointment when booking your appointment. Alternatively, please contact your private medical insurance directly.